The Verge on the new version of Apple's Podcasts application: "For starters, Apple has removed the universally-panned 'tape deck' UI element that could be found when playing back a podcast." An angel got its wings today.

Not sure I see what's so controversial about Apple's podcast app. If you like it, use it. If not there are many other podcatchers for iOS, both free and paid such as RSSRadio, Downcast, and iCatcher to name but a few.